Assembly and method for processing bead-apexes

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an assembly and method for processing bead-apexes. The assembly includes a weighing device for measuring the weight of one of the bead-apexes and at least one station for supplying or receiving the bead-apexes to or from the weighing device in a supply direction or a discharge direction, respectively. The assembly further includes a frame for supporting the at least one station, wherein the weighing device has a weighing member for receiving and supporting one of the bead-apexes and a base member connected to and forming a base for the weighing member. The weighing device is arranged for measuring the weight of the one bead-apex on the weighing member, while the weighing member is arranged for keeping the one bead-apex stationary during the weighing, while the frame of the assembly and the base member of the weighing device are supported independently.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to an assembly and method for processingbead-apexes.

JP 06-155627 A discloses a device, wherein a weight of a tire composingmember is converted into a wave form and kind and actual weight of thetire composing member are obtained by using the wave form, so that it isnot necessary to lay a measuring conveyor and the tire composing memberon a weight measuring sensor in a static state. Accordingly, even whenthe tire composing member is passing on the measuring conveyor, weightmeasuring work and pass deciding work can be carried out, therebyimproving work efficiency.

Although the known device improves work efficiency, the movement of theconveyor during the weighing influences the weight measurement of thebead apex, which may cause deviations in the actual measured weight.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternativeassembly and method for processing bead-apexes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect, the invention provides an assembly forprocessing bead-apexes, wherein the assembly comprises a weighing devicefor measuring the weight of one of the bead-apexes and a supply stationat a supply position for supplying the bead-apexes to the weighingdevice in a supply direction, wherein the assembly further comprises aframe for supporting the at least one station, wherein the weighingdevice comprises a weighing member with a weighing surface for receivingand supporting one of the bead-apexes in a horizontal or substantiallyhorizontal weighing plane and a base member connected to and forming abase for the weighing member, wherein the weighing device is arrangedfor measuring the weight of the one bead-apex in a weighing position onthe weighing member, wherein the supply station defines a supply planeparallel or substantially parallel to the weighing plane, wherein theweighing plane is arranged to be in line or substantially in line withthe supply plane when supplying the one bead-apex to the weighingdevice, wherein the weighing member is arranged for keeping the onebead-apex stationary during the weighing, and wherein the frame of theassembly and the base member of the weighing device are supportedindependently.

When the weighing plane and the supply plane are in line, the onebead-apex can be transferred more easily, e.g. by simply moving said onebead-apex in the supply direction from one plane onto the other. More inparticular, the one bead-apex can be supplied from the supply plane tothe weighing plane in substantially the same orientation. Consequently,the weighing can be performed in-line, i.e. by directly transferring theone bead-apex from the supply station onto the weighing device in thesupply direction. Because the one bead-apex is kept stationary duringthe weighing the weighing can be more accurate. Furthermore, because theweighing device is supported independently, negative influences of therest of the assembly on the weighing accuracy, e.g. vibrations, can bereduced. More in particular, the bead-apex can be stabilized forweighing more quickly.

In a further embodiment the assembly further comprises a first transportdevice for transporting the one bead-apex from the supply station to theweighing device. Thus, the transport may be performed mechanicallyrather than manually, thereby improving the accuracy of the positioning.

In a preferred embodiment thereof, the first transport device isarranged for picking and placing, dragging, pulling or pushing the onebead-apex from the supply position to the weighing position. These modesof transport allow for the one bead-apex to be transferred onto theweighing plane and to subsequently release said bead-apex from the firsttransport device to stabilize it in a stationary position on theweighing plane.

In a preferred embodiment, the first transport device is arranged forreleasing the one bead-apex in the weighing position. By releasing theone bead-apex, the one bead-apex may be stabilized in a stationaryposition on the weighing plane prior to the weighing. The release canprevent that the first transport device influences the weighing.

In a further embodiment the assembly further comprises one or morefollow-up stations at one or more follow-up positions for receiving theone bead-apex from the weighing device. The follow-up stations canreceive the one-bead apex from the weighing device for follow-upoperations, depending on the measured weight, e.g. storage, waste, labanalysis or transport to a downstream tire-building station. Inaccordance with the first aspect of the invention, the weighing devicecan be supported independently from the supply station and/or said oneor more follow-up stations.

In a further embodiment, the one or more follow-up positions comprise afirst follow-up position and wherein the one or more follow-up stationscomprise a pile-up station at said first follow-up position, wherein thepile-up station comprises a pile-up member for receiving and stacking aplurality of the bead-apexes in a pile-up direction. By piling-up thebead-apexes, they can be stacked effectively and/or efficiently. Inaccordance with the first aspect of the invention, the weighing devicecan be supported independently from the pile-up station.

In a preferred embodiment thereof, the pile-up station is arranged forreceiving the one bead-apex from the weighing device in a pile-up plane,wherein the pile-up plane is parallel or substantially parallel to theweighing plane. Hence, the one bead-apex can be supplied from theweighing plane to the pile-up plane in substantially the sameorientation.

In a preferred embodiment, the pile-up plane is arranged to be in lineor substantially in line with the weighing plane when receiving the onebead-apex from the weighing device. When the weighing plane and thepile-up plane are in line, the one bead-apex can be transferred moreeasily, e.g. by simply moving said one bead-apex in the supply directionfrom one plane onto the other.

In a further embodiment, the one or more follow-up positions comprise asecond follow-up position and wherein the one or more follow-up stationscomprise a conveyance station at said second follow-up position, whereinthe conveyance station comprises a transport conveyor for conveying thebead-apex in a conveyance direction. The transport conveyor can be usedto transport the bead-apex directly to a downstream station, e.g. a tirebuilding station. In accordance with the first aspect of the invention,the weighing device can be supported independently from the conveyancestation.

In a preferred embodiment thereof, the conveyance station is arrangedfor receiving the one bead-apex from the weighing device in a conveyanceplane, wherein the weighing plane is parallel or substantially parallelto the conveyance plane. Hence, the one bead-apex can be supplied fromthe weighing plane to the conveyance plane in substantially the sameorientation.

In a preferred embodiment, the weighing plane is arranged to be in lineor substantially in line with the conveyance plane when receiving theone bead-apex from the weighing device. When the weighing plane and theconveyance plane are in line, the one bead-apex can be transferred moreeasily, e.g. by simply moving said one bead-apex in the supply directionfrom one plane onto the other.

In a further embodiment, each bead-apex comprises a circular orsubstantially circular bead and a filler apex extending radially outwardfrom said bead, wherein the bead has an inner rim extending in abead-apex plane and forming a circular opening, wherein the one or morefollow-up positions comprise a third follow-up position and wherein theone or more follow-up stations comprise a storage station at said thirdfollow-up position, wherein the storage station comprises one or morestorage members for storing one or more of the bead-apexes in a verticalorientation in which the one or more bead-apexes are supported withtheir respective rims on the one or more storage members and thebead-apex planes are vertical or substantially vertical.

In a preferred embodiment thereof, the storage station is arranged forreceiving the one bead-apex from the weighing device in a storage plane,wherein the weighing plane is parallel or substantially parallel to thestorage plane. Hence, the one bead-apex can be supplied from theweighing plane to the storage plane in substantially the sameorientation.

In a preferred embodiment, the weighing plane is arranged to be in lineor substantially in line with the storage plane when receiving the onebead-apex from the weighing device. When the weighing plane and thestorage plane are in line, the one bead-apex can be transferred moreeasily, e.g. by simply moving said one bead-apex in the supply directionfrom one plane onto the other.

The storage station can also be used for inspecting a bead apex.

In a further embodiment, the storage station is a storage carouselcomprising a central member which is rotatable about a central axis,wherein the one or more storage members comprise two or more storagearms extending radially from said central axis for storing the one ormore of the bead-apexes in the vertical orientation. The one or morestorage arms of the storage carrousel can effective store a large amountof bead-apexes on a relatively small footprint. The storage carousel canbe rotated around its central axis to line up its arms with the weighingdevice or a further processing device for further processing thebead-apexes.

In a preferred embodiment thereof, each storage arm comprises a storageconveyor for conveying the bead- apexes stored thereon radially inwardand radially outward along the respective storage member with respect tothe central axis. Hence, the bead-apexes can temporarily be stored on afirst one of the arms of the carousel being lined up with the weighingdevice.

In a preferred embodiment thereof, the weighing member and the one ormore follow-up stations are movable relative to each other. Themovability can facilitate interaction between the weighing member, thesupply station and the one or more of the follow-up stations.

In a preferred embodiment thereof, the weighing member is movablerelative to the base member in an alignment direction from a firsttransfer position in alignment with the supply position into a secondand/or further transfer positions in alignment with any one of the oneor more follow-up positions. The relative movement between the weighingmember and the follow-up stations can facilitate receiving the onebead-apex from the supply position in one transfer position whiletransporting the one bead-apex from the weighing member to said onefollow-up station in another transfer position.

In a preferred embodiment, the weighing device comprises a weighingdrive for driving the movement of the weighing member in the alignmentdirection. Hence, the weighing member can be moved mechanically ratherthan manually.

In a preferred embodiment, the alignment direction is transverse,perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the weighing plane. Whenthe weighing plane is horizontal or substantially horizontally, theweighing member can effectively be raised or lowered in the alignmentdirection while keeping the one bead-apex stationary on the weighingsurface.

In a further embodiment thereof, the one bead-apex comprises a circularor substantially circular bead and a filler apex extending radiallyoutward from said bead, wherein the bead has an inner rim extending in abead-apex plane and forming a circular opening, wherein the weighingmember has a circumferential edge facing one of the two or morefollow-up stations, wherein the weighing surface is arranged forreceiving and supporting the one bead-apex in the weighing position suchthat a part of the one bead-apex protrudes from the weighing surfacetowards the one follow-up station and a part of the circular opening ofthe bead-apex is extending beyond the edge of the weighing member,wherein the rim at the part of the circular opening that extends beyondthe edge of the bead and the edge of the weighing member are facing eachother at a gap distance, wherein the one follow-up station is arrangedfor engaging the protruding part of the one bead-apex from itsrespective position, and wherein the weighing member and the onefollow-up station are arranged for causing the one bead-apex to pivotaround the rim of the bead when the weighing member and the onefollow-up station are moved relative to each other in the alignmentdirection and the rim of the bead is supported on the one follow-upstation. By placing the one bead-apex in the weighing position such thata part of the one bead-apex protrudes from the weighing surface,transferring of the one bead-apex from the weighing member to the onefollow-up station can be achieved by a relative movement between theweighing member and the one follow-up station. No additional transportdevices are required for said transfer. Although the protruding part ofthe one bead-apex protrudes from the weighing surface, the one bead-apexis solely supported by the weighing surface during the weighing and anaccurate weight measurement can be performed.

In a preferred embodiment, the weighing member is arranged for droppingaway from the one bead-apex, thereby allowing the one bead-apex to pivotabout its support on the one follow-up station into a verticalorientation in which the one bead-apex is supported with its respectiverim on the one follow-up station and the bead-apex plane is vertical orsubstantially vertical. Because the weighing member is arranged fordropping away from the one bead-apex, no additional transport devicesare required for transferring the one bead-apex from the weighing memberto the one follow-up station.

In a preferred embodiment, the assembly further comprises a firsttransport device and a control unit, wherein the control unit isarranged for controlling the first transport device to place the onebead-apex in the weighing position such that the part of the onebead-apex protrudes from the weighing surface towards the one follow-upstation. The control unit can automate the transfer of the one bead-apexfrom the weighing member to the one follow-up station. By controllingthe first transport device, the control unit can ensure accurateplacement of the one bead-apex in the weighing position.

In a further embodiment, the one or more follow-up stations comprise twoor more follow-up stations at two or more follow-up positions forreceiving the one of the bead-apexes from the weighing device. Based onthe weight of the bead-apex, one of two or more follow-up stations canbe selected for receiving the one bead-apex, wherein the weighing memberis movable relative to the base member in the alignment direction fromthe first transfer position in alignment with the supply position into asecond transfer position and a third transfer position in alignment witha first one of the two or more follow-up station and a second one of thetwo or more follow-up stations, respectively.

In an alternative embodiment, the assembly further comprises one or morefurther transport devices for transporting the one bead-apex from theweighing position to one of the one or more follow-up positions. The oneor more further transport devices can be used to facilitate and/or aidthe transfer of the one bead-apex to the follow-up stations in the oneor more follow-up positions.

In a preferred embodiment thereof, the one or more further transportdevices are arranged for picking and placing, dragging, pulling orpushing the one of the bead-apexes from the weighing position to the oneof the one or more follow-up positions. These modes of transport can beeffectively used for picking up the one bead-apex that has previouslybeen release by the first transport device on the weighing surface.

In a further embodiment, the assembly further comprises a control unitwhich is operationally connected to the weighing member for receiving asignal indicative of the measured weight of the one bead-apex, whereinthe control unit is arranged for controlling the movement of the onebead-apex to one of the one or more follow-up stations based on theweight of the one bead-apex. The control unit can select a follow-upstation based on the weight of the bead apex. Preferably, the controlunit can control the weighing drive and/or the transport devices, fortransferring the one bead-apex from the weighing device to a desiredfollow-up station.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides a method forprocessing a bead-apex, wherein the method comprises the steps ofproviding an assembly for processing bead-apexes, wherein the assemblycomprises a weighing device for measuring the weight of one of thebead-apexes and a supply station at a supply position for supplying thebead-apexes to the weighing device in a supply direction, wherein theassembly further comprises a frame for supporting the supply station,wherein the weighing device comprises a weighing member for receivingand supporting the one bead-apex and a base member connected to andforming a base for the weighing member, wherein the weighing membercomprises a weighing surface for supporting the one bead-apex in ahorizontal or substantially horizontal weighing plane, wherein thesupply station defines a supply plane parallel or substantially parallelto the weighing plane, wherein the weighing device is arranged formeasuring the weight of the one bead-apex in a weighing position on theweighing member, wherein the weighing member is arranged for keeping theone bead-apex stationary during the weighing, and wherein the frame ofthe assembly and the base member of the weighing device are supportedindependently, wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

-   -   a) transporting the one bead-apex from the supply position to        the weighing position, wherein the weighing plane is arranged to        be in line or substantially in line with the supply plane when        supplying the one bead-apex to the weighing device;    -   b) measuring the weight of the one bead-apex while stationary.

When the weighing plane and the supply plane are in line, the onebead-apex can be transferred more easily, e.g. by simply moving said onebead-apex in the supply direction from one plane onto the other. More inparticular, the one bead-apex can be supplied from the supply plane tothe weighing plane in substantially the same orientation. Consequently,the weighing can be performed in-line. Because the one bead-apex is keptstationary during the weighing the weighing can be more accurate.Furthermore, because the weighing device is supported independently,negative influences of the rest of the assembly on the weighingaccuracy, e.g. vibrations, can be reduced.

In a preferred embodiment thereof, the method further comprises the stepof stabilizing the weighing member prior to step b). Stabilizing theweighing member can eliminate vibrations caused by transferring the onebead-apex to the weighing member and can thereby improve the accuracy ofthe weighing.

In a preferred embodiment, the assembly further comprises one or morefollow-up stations at one or more follow-up positions for receiving theone bead-apex from the weighing device, wherein the method furthercomprises the steps of:

-   -   c) determining the follow-up station based on the weight of the        one bead-apex;    -   d) transporting the one bead-apex from the weighing position to        one of the one or more follow-up positions. The follow-up        stations can receive the one-bead apex from the weighing device        for storage or further processing.

In a preferred embodiment, the weighing member and the one or morefollow-up stations are movable relative to each other, wherein themethod comprises the step of moving the weighing member and one of theone or more follow-up stations into alignment with each other prior tostep d). Based on the weight of the bead-apex, one of the two or morefollow-up stations can be selected for receiving the one bead-apex. Therelative movement between the weighing member and the follow-up stationscan facilitate transporting the one bead-apex from the weighing memberto a selected follow-up station.

In a further embodiment, the weighing member is movable relative to thebase member in an alignment direction transverse, perpendicular orsubstantially perpendicular to the weighing plane from a first transferposition in alignment with the supply position into a second and/orfurther transfer positions in alignment with any one of the one or morefollow-up positions. The weighing member can thus effectively be raisedor lowered in the alignment direction while keeping the one bead-apexstationary on the weighing surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the one bead-apex comprises a circular orsubstantially circular bead and a filler apex extending radially outwardfrom said bead, wherein the bead has an inner rim extending in abead-apex plane and forming a circular opening, wherein the weighingmember has a circumferential edge facing one of the one or morefollow-up stations, wherein, in step a), the one bead-apex istransported to the weighing plane such that a part of the one bead-apexprotrudes from the weighing surface towards the one follow-up stationand a part of the circular opening of the bead-apex is extending beyondthe edge of the weighing member, wherein the rim of the bead at the partof the circular opening that extends beyond the edge and the edge of theweighing member are facing each other at a gap distance, and whereinstep d) comprises the steps of:

-   -   moving the weighing member and the one follow-up station into        alignment with each other, wherein the rim of the one bead-apex        is supported on the follow-up station;    -   moving the weighing member relative to the one follow-up station        in the alignment direction, causing the one bead-apex to pivot        around the support of its rim on the one follow-up station;    -   moving the weighing member further in the alignment direction        relative to the one follow-up station, causing the one bead-apex        to be solely supported by the one follow-up station.

By placing the one bead-apex in the weighing position such that a partof the one bead-apex protrudes from the weighing surface, transferringof the one bead-apex from the weighing member to the one follow-upstation can be achieved by a relative movement between the weighingmember and the one follow-up station. No additional transport devicesare required for said transfer. Although the protruding part of the onebead-apex protrudes from the weighing surface, the one bead-apex issolely supported by the weighing surface during the weighing and anaccurate weight measurement can be performed.

The various aspects and features described and shown in thespecification can be applied, individually, wherever possible. Theseindividual aspects, in particular the aspects and features described inthe attached dependent claims, can be made subject of divisional patentapplications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodimentshown in the attached schematic drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1-4 show front views of an assembly for processing bead-apexesduring exemplary steps of a method for processing bead-apexes accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 5 and 6 show top views at the level of the line V-V in FIG. 1during exemplary steps of a method for processing bead-apexes;

FIGS. 7 and 8 show top views at the level of the line VII-VII in FIG. 2during exemplary steps of a method for processing bead-apexes;

FIGS. 9 and 10 show top views at the level of the line IX-IX in FIG. 3during exemplary steps of a method for processing bead-apexes;

FIGS. 11 and 12 show top views at the level of the line XI-XI in FIG. 4during exemplary steps of a method for processing bead-apexes;

FIG. 13 shows the section view of FIGS. 11 and 12 according to apreferred embodiment of the of the invention; and

FIGS. 14A-D show a section view of the line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13 duringexemplary steps of the method for processing bead-apex.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-4 show an assembly 1 for processing bead-apexes 9 according toan exemplary embodiment of the invention. The bead-apexes 9 comprise acircular or substantially circular bead or bead core 91 and a filler,apex, apex filler or filler apex 92 extending radially outward from saidbead 91. The bead 91 has an inner rim 93 extending in a bead-apex planeP9 and forming a circular opening 94.

The assembly 1 comprises a weighing device 2 for measuring the weight ofone of the bead-apexes 9 and at least one station 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 forsupplying or receiving the bead-apexes 9 one by one to or from theweighing device 2 in a supply direction S or a discharge direction,respectively. The assembly 1 further comprises a frame 10 for supportingthe at least one station 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Preferably, the assembly 1comprises a supply station 3 at a supply position for supplying thebead-apexes 9 to the weighing device 2 in the supply direction S. Morepreferably, the assembly 1 further comprises one or more follow-upstations 4, 5, 6, 7 at one or more follow-up positions for receiving theone bead-apex 9 from the weighing device 2.

As can best be seen in FIGS. 1-4, in this exemplary embodiment, theassembly 1 comprises one supply station 3 at the supply position andfour follow-up stations 4, 5, 6, 7 at four follow-up positions. Theframe 10 is arranged for supporting both the supply station 3 and thefollow-up stations 4, 5, 6, 7 and is placed on a horizontal orsubstantially horizontal ground plane P1.

The weighing device 2 comprises a weighing member 21 for receiving andsupporting the one bead-apex 9 and a base member 20 connected to andforming a base for the weighing member 21. The weighing device 2 isarranged for measuring the weight of the one bead apex 9 in a weighingposition on the weighing member 21. Preferably, the weighing member 21comprises a weighing surface 22 for supporting the one bead-apex 9 in ahorizontal or substantially horizontal weighing plane P2. The weighingmember further comprises a circumferential edge 24. Preferably, theweighing plane P2 is parallel or substantially parallel to the groundplane P1. The weighing member 21 is arranged for keeping the onebead-apex 9 stationary during the weighing. Preferably, the weighingmember 21 is arranged for keeping the one bead-apex 9 stationary in atleast the supply direction S. More preferably, the weighing member 21 isarranged for keeping the one bead-apex stationary in at least theweighing plane P2. Most preferably, the weighing device 2 is arrangedfor stabilizing the weighing member 21 prior to weighing the one beadapex 9.

The frame 10 of the assembly 1 and the base member 20 of the weighingdevice 2 are supported independently i.e. the frame 10 and the basemember 20 are placed separately on the ground plane P1.

In this exemplary embodiment, the weighing member 21 and the stations 3,4, 5, 6, 7 are movable relative to each other. In particular, theweighing member 21 is movable relative to the base member 20 in analignment direction A from a first transfer position X3 in alignmentwith the supply position into a second and/or further transfer positionsX4, X5, X6, X7 in alignment with any of the two or more follow-uppositions. Preferably, the alignment direction A is transverse to theweighing plane P2. More preferably, the alignment direction A isperpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the weighing plane P2.Preferably, the weighing member is only moved in the alignment directionA when not weighing. The weighing device 2 comprises a weighing drive 23for driving the movement of the weighing member 21 in the alignmentdirection A. The weighing drive 23 could for example be a spindle driveor a pneumatic cylinder.

As can best be seen in FIG. 1, the weighing member 21 is movable intothe first transfer position X3 for transferring the one bead-apex 9 fromthe supply position to the weighing position. The supply station 3defines a supply plane P3. The supply plane P3 is parallel orsubstantially parallel to the weighing plane P2. In the first transferposition X3, the supply plane P3 is in line or substantially in linewith the weighing plane P2. The supply station 3 could for example be anassembling device for assembling bead-apexes 9 or a repository orstorage for temporarily storing the bead-apexes 9.

The assembly 1 further comprises a first transport device 11 fortransporting the one bead-apex 9 from the supply position to theweighing position. Preferably, the first transport device 11 is arrangedfor picking and placing, dragging, pulling or pushing the one bead-apex9 from the supply position onto the stationary weighing surface 22 atthe weighing position. The first transport device 11 is further arrangedfor releasing the one bead-apex 9 in the weighing position, after whichthe bead-apex 9 is left stationary. In this exemplary embodiment, thefirst transport device 11 is a hook. Preferably, the first transportdevice 11 is a linearly movable hook. Alternatively, the first transportdevice 11 could for example be a pick-and-place unit such as a roboticarm or any other suitable transport means.

In this exemplary embodiment, the assembly 1 further comprises furthertransport devices 14, 15, 16, 17 for transporting the one bead-apex 9from the weighing position to one of the one or more follow-uppositions. The one or more further transport devices 14, 15, 16, 17 arearranged for picking and placing, dragging, pulling or pushing the oneof the bead-apexes from the weighing position to a respective one of theone or more follow-up positions. The further transport devices 14, 15,16, 17 are further arranged for releasing the one bead-apex 9 in therespective one of the one or more follow-up positions.

The one or more follow-up positions comprise a first follow-up positionand the one or more follow-up stations 4, 5, 6, 7 comprise a pile-upstation 4 at said first follow-up position. The pile-up station 4comprises a pile-up member 40 for receiving a plurality of thebead-apexes 9 thereon and for stacking said plurality of bead-apexes 9one onto the other in a pile-up direction Y. As can best be seen in FIG.2, the weighing member 21 is movable into the second transfer positionX4 in alignment with the first follow-up position for transferring theone bead-apex 9 from the weighing position to the pile-up station 4 atthe first follow-up position. The pile-up station 4 is arranged forreceiving the one bead-apex 9 from the weighing device 2 in a pile-upplane P4. The pile-up plane is located above the bead-apexes 9 stackedon the pile-up member 40. The pile-up plane P4 is parallel orsubstantially parallel to the weighing plane P2. In the second transferposition X4, the weighing plane P2 is in line or substantially in linewith the pile-up plane P4.

As can further be seen in FIGS. 2, 7 and 8, the assembly 1 comprises asecond transport device 14 for transporting the one bead-apex 9 from theweighing position to the first follow-up position. In this exemplaryembodiment, the second transport device 14 is a hook, preferably alinearly movable hook, for dragging or pulling the one bead-apex fromthe weighing position to the first follow-up position in the pile-upplane P4. The second transport device 14 is arranged for releasing theone bead-apex 9 above the pile-up member 40 and/or the bead-apexes 9stacked on the pile-up member 40 to drop the one bead-apex 9 onto thepile-up member 40 or said stacked bead-apexes 9 for stacking a pluralityof bead-apexes 9 in the pile-up direction Y.

The one or more follow-up positions comprise a second follow-up positionand the one or more follow-up stations 4, 5, 6, 7 comprise a conveyancestation 5 at said second follow-up position. The conveyance station 5comprises a transport conveyor 50 for conveying the one bead-apex 9 in aconveyance direction C. As can best be seen in FIG. 1, the weighingmember 21 is movable into a third transfer position X5 in alignment withthe second follow-up position for transferring the one bead-apex 9 fromthe weighing position to the conveyance station 5 at the secondfollow-up position. The conveyance station 5 is arranged for receivingthe one bead apex 9 from the weighing device 2 in a conveyance plane P5.The conveyance plane P5 is parallel or substantially parallel to theweighing plane P2. In the third transfer position X5, the weighing planeP2 is in line or substantially in line with the conveyance plane P5.

As can further be seen in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, in this exemplaryembodiment, the third transfer position X5 is equal to the firsttransfer position X3. The assembly comprises a third transport device 15for transporting the one bead-apex 9 from the weighing position to thesecond follow-up position. In this exemplary embodiment, the thirdtransport device 15 is a hook, preferably a linearly movable hook, fordragging or pulling the one bead-apex from the weighing position to thesecond follow-up position in the conveyance plane P5. The thirdtransport device 15 is arranged for releasing the one bead-apex 9 on thetransport conveyor 50. Alternatively, the functions of the firsttransport device 11 and the third transport device 15 can be combined inthe first transport device 11 which is then arranged for transportingthe one bead-apex 9 from the weighing position up to the secondfollow-up position. The first transport device 11 is arranged fordragging or pulling the one bead-apex from the weighing position to thesecond follow-up position in the conveyance plane P5.

The one or more follow-up positions comprise a third follow-up positionand the one or more follow-up stations 4, 5, 6, 7 comprise a firststorage station 6 at said third follow-up position. The first storagestation 6 comprises one or more first storage members 61 for storing oneor more of the bead-apexes 9 in a vertical orientation. As can best beseen in FIG. 4, in said vertical orientation, the one or morebead-apexes 9 are supported with their respective rims 93 on the one ormore first storage members 61 and the bead-apex planes P9 are verticalor substantially vertical. Preferably, the one or more bead-apexes 9stored on the one or more first storage members 61 are separated byseparator sheets 99. An additional separator sheet 99 supply unit (notshown) may be added to the assembly for supplying said separator sheets99 to the one or more first storage members 61.

As can further be seen in FIG. 4, the weighing member 21 is movable intoa fourth transfer position X6 in alignment with the third follow-upposition for transferring the one bead-apex 9 from the weighing positionto the first storage station 6 at the third follow-up position. Thefirst storage station 6 is arranged for receiving the one bead-apex 9from the weighing device 2 in a first storage plane P6. The weighingplane P2 is parallel or substantially parallel to the first storageplane P6. In the fourth transfer position X6, the first storage plane P6is in line with, substantially in line with or located below theweighing plane P2.

As can best be seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, in this exemplary embodiment,the first storage station 6 is a storage carousel 6 comprising a centralmember 60 which is rotatable about a central axis R. Preferably, thecentral axis R is vertical or substantially vertical. The one or morefirst storage members 61 comprise two or more storage arms 62 extendingradially from said central axis R for storing the one or more of thebead-apexes 9 in the vertical orientation. Preferably, each storage arm62 comprises a storage conveyor 63 for conveying the bead-apexes 9stored thereon radially inward and radially outward along the respectivestorage member 61 with respect to the central axis R. Thecircumferential edge 24 of the weighing member 21 and the first storagestation 6 are spaced apart by a mutual distance D1 to facilitatepivoting of the one bead-apex 9 into the vertical orientation as soon asthe one bead-apex 9 is no longer supported by the weighing member 21.

As can further be seen in FIGS. 4, 11 and 12, one of the furthertransport devices 16 is arranged for transporting the one bead-apex 9from the weighing position to the third follow-up position. The secondtransport device 16 is arranged for dragging or pulling the onebead-apex from the weighing position to the second follow-up position inthe storage plane P6.

The one or more follow-up positions comprise a fourth follow-up positionand the one or more follow-up stations 4, 5, 6, 7 comprise a secondstorage station 7 at said fourth follow-up position. The second storagestation 7 comprises one or more first storage members 71 for storing oneor more of the bead-apexes 9 in the vertical orientation. In thisexemplary embodiment, the second storage station 7 comprises a centralmember 70 and two parallel storage members 71. The bead-apexes 9 storedon the second storage station 7 can be removed from the second storagestation 7 manually or automatically for inspection. Preferably, thesecond storage station 7 is arranged at the front or the back of theassembly 1 to facilitate manual removal of the bead-apexes stored on thesecond storage station 7.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the weighing member is movable into a fifthtransfer position X7 in alignment with the fourth follow-up position fortransferring the one bead-apex 9 from the weighing position to thesecond storage station 7 at the fourth follow-up position. The secondstorage station 7 is arranged for receiving the one bead-apex 9 from theweighing device 2 in a second storage plane P7. The weighing plane P2 isparallel or substantially parallel to the second storage plane P7. Inthe fifth transfer position X7, the weighing plane P2 is in line orsubstantially in line with the second storage plane P7.

As can further be seen in FIGS. 3, 9 and 10, the second transport device17 is arranged for transporting the one bead-apex 9 from the weighingposition to the fourth follow-up position. The second transport device17 is arranged for dragging or pulling the one bead-apex from theweighing position to the second storage member 7 in the fourth follow-upposition in the second storage plane P7.

As can best be seen in FIG. 1, the assembly 1 further comprises acontrol unit 8 which is operationally connected to the weighing member21 for receiving a signal indicative of the measured weight of the onebead-apex 9. The control unit 8 is arranged for controlling the movementof the one bead-apex 9 to one of the one or more follow-up stations 4,5, 6, 7 based on the weight of the one bead-apex 9. Preferably, thecontrol unit 8 is arranged for determining the follow-up station 4, 5,6, 7 based on the weight of the bead-apex 9.

FIGS. 13 and 14A-D show a preferred assembly 101 for processingbead-apexes 9 which differs from the previously discussed assembly 1 inthat the circumferential edge 24 of the weighing member 21 and the firststorage station 6 are spaced apart by a mutual distance D1 smaller thanthe mutual distance D1 of the previous embodiment.

The weighing surface 22 is arranged for partly or partially supportingthe one bead-apex 9 in the weighing position. In particular, theweighing surface 22 is arranged for receiving and supporting the onebead-apex 9 in the weighing position such that a part 95 of the onebead-apex 9 protrudes from edge 24 of the weighing member 21 towards thefirst storage station 6. Preferably, the control unit 8 is arranged forcontrolling the first transport device 11 to place the one bead-apex 9in the weighing position such that the part 95 of the one bead-apex 9protrudes from the weighing surface 21 towards the first storage station6.

As is best shown in FIGS. 13 and 14A, the one bead-apex 9 is placed inthe weighing position such that a part of the circular opening 94 of thebead-apex 9 is extending beyond the circumferential edge 24 of theweighing member. Preferably, at least fifty percent of the one bead-apex9 is supported by the weighing surface 22 in the weighing position. Theedge 24 of the weighing member 21 is facing the first storage station 6.The rim 93 of the bead 91 and the edge 24 of the weighing member 21 arefacing each other at a gap distance D2. Alternatively, the first storagestation 6 is arranged for pulling the protruding part 95 of the onebead-apex 9 towards the first storage station 6 and away from theweighing member 2 until the rim 93 of the bead 91 and the edge 24 of theweighing member 21 are facing each other at the gap distance D2.Preferably the gap distance D2 is larger than the mutual distance D1between the edge 24 of the weighing member 21 and the first storagestation 6, such that the rim 93 of the bead 91 may pivot on the firststorage station 6.

As is best shown in FIG. 14B, the weighing member 21 with the onebead-apex 9 thereon is movable in the alignment direction A into thefourth transfer position X6 in alignment with the third follow-upposition. The first storage station 6 is arranged for engaging theprotruding part 95 of the one bead-apex 9 from its respective position.Preferably, the first storage station 6 is arranged such that the firststorage plane P6 is in line with or below the supply plane P3.

As is best shown in FIG. 14C, the weighing member 21 and the firststorage station 6 are arranged for causing the bead-apex 9 to pivotaround the rim 93 of the bead 91 when the weighing member 21 and thefirst storage station 6 are moved relative to each other in thealignment direction A and the rim 93 of the bead 91 is supported on thefirst storage station 6.

In this example, as shown in FIGS. 14D, the weighing member 21 dropsaway from the one bead-apex 9, thereby allowing the one bead-apex 9 topivot into the vertical orientation.

It is to be understood that the above description is included toillustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meantto limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, manyvariations will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet beencompassed by the scope of the present invention.

1. An assembly for processing bead-apexes, wherein the assemblycomprises a weighing device for measuring the weight of one of thebead-apexes and a supply station at a supply position for supplying thebead-apexes to the weighing device in a supply direction (S), whereinthe assembly further comprises a frame for supporting the at least onestation, wherein the weighing device comprises a weighing member with aweighing surface for receiving and supporting one of the bead-apexes ina horizontal or substantially horizontal weighing plane (P2) and a basemember connected to and forming a base for the weighing member, whereinthe weighing device is arranged for measuring the weight of the onebead-apex in a weighing position on the weighing member, wherein thesupply station defines a supply plane (P3) parallel to the weighingplane (P2), wherein the weighing plane (P2) is arranged to be in linewith the supply plane (P3) when supplying the one bead-apex to theweighing device, wherein the weighing member is arranged for keeping theone bead-apex stationary during the weighing, and wherein the frame ofthe assembly and the base member of the weighing device are supportedindependently.
 2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein theassembly further comprises a first transport device for transporting theone head-apex from the supply station to the weighing device.
 3. Theassembly according to claim 2, wherein the first transport device isarranged tbr picking and placing, dragging, pulling or pushing the onebead-apex from the supply position to the weighing position.
 4. Theassembly according to claim 2, wherein the first transport device isarranged for releasing the one bead-apex in the weighing position. 5.The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the assembly furthercomprises one or more follow-up stations at one or more follow-uppositions for receiving the one bead-apex from the weighing device. 6.The assembly according to claim 5, wherein the one or more follow-uppositions comprise a first follow-up position and wherein the one ormore follow-up stations comprise a pile-up station at said firstfollow-up position, wherein the pile-up station comprises a pile-upmember for receiving and stacking a plurality of the bead-apexes in apile-up direction (Y).
 7. The assembly according to claim 6, wherein thepile-up station is arranged for receiving the one bead-apex from theweighing device in a pile-up plane (P4), wherein the pile-up plane (P4)is parallel to the weighing plane (P2).
 8. The assembly according toclaim 7, wherein the pile-up plane (P4) is arranged to be in line withthe weighing plane (P2) when receiving the one bead-apex from theweighing device.
 9. The assembly according to claim 5, wherein the oneor more follow-up positions comprise a second follow-up position andwherein the one or more follow-up stations comprise a conveyance stationat said second follow-up position, wherein the conveyance stationcomprises a transport conveyor for conveying the one bead-apex in aconveyance direction (C).
 10. The assembly according to claim 9, whereinthe conveyance station is arranged for receiving the one bead-apex fromthe weighing device in a conveyance plane (P5), wherein the weighingplane (P2) is parallel to the conveyance plane (P5).
 11. The assemblyaccording to claim 10, wherein the weighing plane (P2) is arranged to bein line with the conveyance plane (P5) when receiving the one bead-apexfrom the weighing device.
 12. The assembly according to claim 5, whereineach bead-apex comprises a circular bead and a filler apex extendingradially outward from said bead, wherein the bead has an inner rimextending in a bead-apex plane (P9) and forming a circular opening,wherein the one or more follow-up positions comprise a third follow-upposition and wherein the one or more follow-up stations comprise astorage station at said third follow-up position, wherein the stroagestation comprises one or more storage members for storing one or more ofthe bead-apexes in a vertical orientation in which the one or morebead-apexes are supported with their respective rims on the one or morestorage members and the bead-apex planes (P9) are vertical.
 13. Theassembly according to claim 12, wherein the storage station is arrangedfor receiving the one bead-apex from the weighing device in a storageplane (P6, P7), wherein the weighing plane (P2) is parallel to thestorage plane (P6, P7).
 14. The assembly according to claim 13, whereinthe weighing plane (P2) is arranged to be in line with the storage plane(P6, P7) when receiving the one bead-apex from the weighing device. 15.The assembly according to claim 12, wherein the storage station is astorage carousel comprising a central member which is rotatable about acentral axis (R), wherein the one or more storage members comprise twoor more storage arms extending radially from said central axis (R) forstoring the one or more of the bead-apexes in the vertical orientation.16. The assembly according to claim 15, wherein each storage armcomprises a storage conveyor for conveying the bead-apexes storedthereon radially inward and radially outward along the respectivestorage member with respect to the central axis (R).
 17. The assemblyaccording to claim 5, wherein the weighing member and the one or morefollow-up stations are movable relative to each other.
 18. The assemblyaccording to claim 17, wherein the weighing member is movable relativeto the base member in an alignment direction (A) from a first transferposition (X3) in alignment with the supply position into a second orfurther transfer positions (X4, X5, X6, X7) in alignment with any one ofthe one or more follow-up positions.
 19. The assembly according to claim18, wherein the weighing device comprises a weighing drive for drivingthe movement of the weighing member in the alignment direction (A). 20.The assembly according to claim 18, wherein the alignment direction (A)is transverse, perpendicular to the weighing plane (P2).
 21. Theassembly according to claim 20, wherein the one bead-apex comprises acircular bead and a filler apex extending radially outward from saidbead, wherein the bead has an inner rim extending in a bead-apex plane(P9) and forming a circular opening, wherein the weighing member has acircumferential edge facing one of the two or more follow-up stations,wherein the weighing surface is arranged for receiving and supportingthe one bead-apex in the weighing position such that a part of the onebead-apex protrudes from the weighing surface towards the one follow-upstation and a part of the circular opening of the one bead-apex isextending beyond the edge of the weighing member, wherein the rim of thebead at the part of the circular opening that extends beyond the edgeand the edge of the weighing member are facing each other at a gapdistance (D2), wherein the one follow-up station is arranged forengaging the protruding part of the one bead-apex from its respectiveposition, and wherein the weighing member and the one follow-up stationare arranged for causing the one bead-apex to pivot around the rim ofthe bead when the weighing member and the one follow-up station aremoved relative to each other in the alignment direction (A) and the rimof the bead is supported on the one follow-up station.
 22. The assemblyaccording to claim 21, wherein the weighing member is arranged fordropping away from the one bead-apex, thereby allowing the one bead-apexthat is supported on the one follow-up station to pivot about its riminto a vertical orientation in which the one bead-apex is supported withits rim on the one follow-up station and the bead-apex plane (P9) isvertical.
 23. The assembly according to claim 21, wherein the assemblyfurther comprises a first transport device and a control unit, whereinthe control unit is arranged for controlling the first transport deviceto place the one bead-apex in the weighing position such that the partof the one bead-apex protrudes from the weighing surface towards the onefollow-up station.
 24. The assembly according to claim 17, wherein theassembly comprises two or more follow-up stations at two or morefollow-up positions for receiving the one of the bead-apexes from theweighing device, wherein the weighing member is movable relative to thebase member in the alignment direction (A) from the first transferposition (X3) in alignment with the supply position into a secondtransfer position (X4) and a third transfer position (X5) in alignmentwith a first one of the two or more follow-up stations and a second oneof the two or more follow-up stations, respectively.
 25. The assemblyaccording to claim 5, wherein the assembly further comprises one or morefurther transport devices for transporting the one bead-apex from theweighing position to one of the one or more follow-up positions.
 26. Theassembly according to claim 25, wherein the one or more furthertransport devices are arranged for picking and placing, dragging,pulling or pushing the one of the bead-apexes from the weighing positionto the one of the one or more follow-up positions.
 27. The assemblyaccording to claim 5, wherein the assembly further comprises a controlunit which is operationally connected to the weighing member forreceiving a signal indicative of the measured weight of the onebead-apex, wherein the control unit is arranged for controlling themovement of the one bead-apex to one of the one or more follow-upstations based on the weight of the one bead-apex.
 28. A method forprocessing a bead-apex, wherein the method comprises the steps ofproviding an assembly for processing bead-apexes, wherein the assemblycomprises a weighing device for measuring the weight of one of thebead-apexes and a supply station at a supply position for supplying thebead-apexes to the weighing device in a supply direction (S), whereinthe assembly further comprises a frame for supporting the supplystation, wherein the weighing device comprises a weighing member forreceiving and supporting the one bead-apex and a base member connectedto and forming a base for the weighing member, wherein the weighingdevice is arranged for measuring the weight of the one bead-apex in aweighing position on the weighing member, wherein the weighing membercomprises a weighing surface for supporting the one bead-apex in ahorizontal weighing plane (P2), wherein the supply station defines asupply plane (P3) parallel to the weighing plane (P2), wherein theweighing member is arranged for keeping the one bead-apex stationaryduring the weighing, and wherein the frame of the assembly and the basemember of the weighing device are supported independently, wherein themethod further comprises the steps of: a) transporting the one bead-apexfrom the supply position to the weighing position, wherein the weighingplane (P2) is arranged to be in line with the supply plane (P3) Whensupplying the one bead-apex to the weighing device; and b) measuring theweight of the one bead-apex while stationary.
 29. The method accordingto claim 28, wherein the method further comprises the step ofstabilizing the weighing member prior to step b).
 30. The methodaccording to claim 29, wherein the assembly further comprises one ormore follow-up stations at one or more follow-up positions for receivingthe one bead-apex from the weighing device, wherein the method furthercomprises the steps of: c) determining the follow-up station based onthe weight of the one bead-apex; and d) transporting the one bead-apexfrom the weighing position to one of the one or more follow-uppositions.
 31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the weighingmember and the one or more follow-up stations are movable relative toeach other, wherein the method comprises the step of moving the weighingmember and one of the one or more follow-up stations into alignment witheach other prior to step d).
 32. The method according to claim 31,wherein the weighing member is movable relative to the base member in analignment direction (A) transverse, perpendicular to the weighing plane(P2) from a first transfer position (X3) in alignment with the supplyposition into a second or further transfer positions (X4, X5, X6, X7) inalignment with any of the one or more follow-up positions.
 33. Themethod according to claim 32, wherein the one bead-apex comprises acircular bead and a filler apex extending radially outward from saidbead, wherein the bead has an inner rim extending in a bead-apex plane(P9) and forming a circular opening, wherein the weighing member has acircumferential edge facing one of the one or more follow-up stations,wherein, in step a), the one bead-apex is transported to the weighingplane (P2) such that a part of the one bead-apex protrudes from theweighing surface towards the one follow-up station and a part of thecircular opening of the bead-apex is extending beyond the edge of theweighing member, wherein the rim of the bead at the part of the circularopening that extends beyond the edge and the edge of the weighing memberare facing each other at a gap distance (D2), and wherein step d)comprises the steps of: moving the weighing member and the one follow-upstation into alignment with each other, wherein the rim of the onebead-apex is supported on the one follow-up station; moving the weighingmember relative to the one follow-up station in the alignment direction(A), causing the one bead-apex to pivot around the support of its rim onthe one follow-up station; and moving the weighing member further in thealignment direction (A) relative to the one follow-up station, causingthe one bead-apex to be solely supported by the follow-up station.